Western Digital – Community Grants Program (U.S.)
STEM Education, Hunger Relief & Environmental Funding
📅 Application Deadline (Round 2): July 15
Western Digital supports nonprofit organizations and public schools through its Community Grants Program, funding initiatives that strengthen communities where the company operates. Grants are awarded through a competitive, invitation-only process and focus on STEM education, hunger relief, and environmental conservation.
This post reflects the Round 2 application cycle, with a July 15 deadline for invited organizations.
Organization
Western Digital
Support Type
Charitable grants
Award Size
Typically $7,500–$20,000
Geographic Focus (U.S.)
Funding is currently limited to the following locations:
- Greater Bay Area, CA (Alameda, Santa Clara, San Francisco, San Mateo, Santa Cruz counties)
- Orange County, CA
- Boulder County, CO
- El Paso County, CO
- Olmsted County, MN
About the Funder
Western Digital partners with nonprofit and nongovernmental organizations worldwide to address pressing social and environmental challenges. Through employee-led grant committees and a structured review process, Western Digital invests in programs that deliver measurable impact and align with the company’s values and presence in local communities.
Funding Priorities
🔬 STEM Education
Support for organizations providing STEM learning opportunities to K–16 youth, including hands-on, skills-based, and pathway-focused programming.
🍎 Hunger Relief
Innovative programs that address food insecurity and improve access to nutritious food within local communities.
🌱 Environment
Initiatives focused on environmental preservation or conservation, as well as public education related to environmental issues.
Eligibility
Applicants must:
- Be a U.S.-based nonprofit organization or public school
- Offer programs aligned with one of Western Digital’s funding priorities
- Serve communities within Western Digital’s eligible U.S. geographies
- Receive an invitation to apply following an approved Letter of Inquiry (LOI)
Invitation-Only Application Process
Western Digital’s Community Grants Program operates on an invite-only basis.
Step 1: Submit a Letter of Inquiry (LOI)
Organizations interested in funding must email a Letter of Inquiry to:
📧 GlobalGivingandDoing@wdc.com
- LOIs are accepted on a rolling basis
- Approved organizations will be invited to submit a full application
Step 2: Invitation to Apply
- Invited organizations receive a unique application link
- Invitations are sent approximately one week before the application window opens
- Organizations should review Western Digital’s Global Giving Guidelines prior to applying
Application Cycles & Timeline
Western Digital offers two application periods per year. Organizations may apply once in any 12-month period.
2026 Application Rounds
- Round 1: December 1 – January 12
- Round 2: June 1 – July 15 ⭐
📌 Grant proposals are reviewed by employee grant committees twice annually.
📌 Organizations receiving three consecutive years of funding must sit out for one year before reapplying.
Additional Guidelines
- One community grant per organization per year
- Funding is competitive and limited
- Invitation to apply does not guarantee an award
Apply / Learn More
➡️ https://www.westerndigital.com/company/corporate-responsibility/philanthropy
📧 Questions or LOIs: GlobalGivingandDoing@wdc.com
Why This Opportunity Is a Good Fit
This opportunity is ideal for organizations that:
- Operate in Western Digital’s U.S. footprint
- Focus on STEM education, hunger relief, or environmental conservation
- Have strong, scalable programs with measurable outcomes
- Are seeking mid-sized corporate grant funding through an invitation-based process
Corporate Grants Guide Notes
Review Type: Competitive, invitation-only
Round 2 Deadline: July 15
Award Size: $7,500–$20,000
Best Suited For: Nonprofits and public schools in eligible geographies aligned with STEM, hunger, or environmental priorities
